§ Major KINDERSLEYasked the Minister of Labour whether full inquiries were made, with a view to preventing injury being done to British musicians, before permits were granted to a band of Spanish musicians, lately performing at the Hotel Metropole, Monte Carlo, and brought to this country to commence an engagement on 4th May at the Hotel Metropole, London; and whether he is aware that the imported band is to do the work of two British bands who have been dismissed on 2nd May to make way for these aliens?
§ Mr. BETTERT0NBefore permits under the Alien's Order were issued in respect of the orchestra in question, full inquiries were made. The hotel company employ in all 10 band's, nine British, one foreign; two of the British bands are employed abroad. I understand that the services of one temporary British band of 11 musicians have been dispensed with, but two other British hands (one of nine musicians and one of four) have been engaged by the hotel company, the former for employment at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley, the latter at the Hotel Metropole. I am satisfied that the interests of British musicians have been safeguarded.